My first bunnies

[Joanna]

Hello, I’m new to this site. I have googled kit care so much I’m getting stressed, but determined to learn all there is. I’m adopting 2 mini Rex, they are actually the runts of the litter. I found out I am to get the bunnies in 2 weeks but that they will be 6 wks. I’m nervous and thinking I should bottle feed them as well as introduce pellets. I know going is idiotic but here is my thinking. If she is adopting them to me at 6 weeks she would give them to someone else. I have experience in other types of animals when they lose their mother before it’s time. With all that said, should I get KRM and feed them for two more weeks? Thank you in advance.

 

Edited by LBJ – Removed picture of very young baby bunnies.

[LBJ10]

Hi Joanna! Welcome to BB! I removed your photo because it is against forum rules to post pictures of very young baby bunnies. Although 6 weeks is young, they will not be so young that milk replacement is necessary. It is recommended that babies stay with mom until they are 8 weeks, but they are capable of eating pellets and hay at 6 weeks of age. If they are small for their age, you can “supplement” by providing an alfalfa-based diet.

[Bam]

I second LBJ. Rabbits are often taken from the mother at age 6 weeks, but kept together with their siblings for 2 more weeks. At 6 weeks they are weaned and eat solid food. Since you are adopting 2 rabbits, they will have each other, which is very good for them.

Very young rabbits have more delicate GI systems than adult rabbits, because their GI microbiota isn’t fully mature and diverse. So you need to be vigilant, and keep an eye on their poop. Unless the rabbits are used to fresh greens already when you get him, their diet should be hay and pellets. Young buns do well on alfalfabased pellets, but it’s best if they eat grass hay, because it can be very difficult to wean a bun off alfalfa hay and on to grass hay. Fresh greens can then be introduced gradually, starting at around 12 weeks, or later.

[Author]

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